I would like to take this time to inform you of my resignation as your gardener due to an unfortunate discovery of a potentially terminal illness. My illness will require extended treatment and recovery, and I am unsure that my ability to perform my duties will ever return. In addition to considering my age, this is my only option.

It has been a pleasure to work for you and I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely,

Mr. J.I.

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I’m not quite sure what to say about this. He seems like such a genuine and beautiful person, and the note so perfectly worded, and at the same time the note is so sad. I think you will feel his presence in your garden for a long time, even decades from now.

After all the previous beautiful, insightful comments, all I have to leave with him and you is my heart ~ full.

Comment by Mary P. — March 29, 2012 @ 9:53 am

My own words seem insignificant, so I will borrow another’s–Dear Karen and Mr. J.I., May the Grace of God be with you always in your heart, May you know the Truth inside you from the start, May you find the strength to know that you are part of something beautiful. I see the light shining through both of you and I am forever grateful that you have shared a bit of it with me. With much love, J.
(*excerpted from a song–Something Beautiful–by Alexi Murdoch)

Comment by Jennifer — March 29, 2012 @ 12:34 pm

I don’t know what to say here. I hope his illness is mild and he remains comfortable in his “retirement.” I know that his presence in your garden will never disappear. How lucky you both were to have each other while you did.

Dear my friends,
Mr. Isobe is quite old and of a “dying breed,” so to speak. He prunes the bushes in the Japanese style. When you have cultivated a practice of trimming the extraneous in order to reveal the true beauty, it shows. I have sent him a letter in response with photos of the garden in spring, which he has not seen, but which he knows by heart. I do not believe he is sentimental; he is far too honest for that.

Thank you for acknowledging him. It is like a silent bow, and it is enough.